Massive Seizure of 14,000 Mongoose Hair Brushes in Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Bust
In a significant wildlife crime bust, the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (TNWCCB) has confiscated a staggering 14,000 paint brushes made from mongoose hair in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. The mongoose, a protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations and safeguarding food crops. The seizures were conducted based on intelligence received by the TNWCCB, with as many as 7,800 brushes seized in Chennai, 3,200 in Coimbatore, and 3,000 in Madurai.
The first seizure took place in Parry’s Corner, Chennai, on August 21, leading to the arrest of the accused. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that similar brushes were being illicitly sold in Coimbatore and Madurai, indicating a chain operation between different locations. R. Kanchana, the Director of TNWCCB, explained that they received information from the accused in Madurai, which then allowed officials to intercept a trade in Cumbum, resulting in the discovery of 120 additional brushes.
So far, a total of six individuals have been apprehended and placed in judicial custody. Ms. Kanchana noted that many traders, including retailers and hardware shop owners, as well as customers, were unaware that the brushes they were dealing with were made from mongoose hair. To address this issue, Supriya Sahu, the Additional Chief Secretary of Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, announced upcoming awareness campaigns focusing on the illicit trade of mongoose hair brushes and educating people on how to differentiate them from synthetic alternatives.
The illegal demand for mongoose hair brushes comes at a great cost to the species. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF India), approximately 50 mongooses are killed to obtain just 1 kilogram of their hair. Often, the hair is brutally plucked before the animal even dies. Mongoose hair is preferred for brushes due to its stiffness and ability to maintain an upright position. The tips of these brushes exhibit a dark brown color with a cream or greyish center, gradually darkening near the roots.
As this news unfolds, it is crucial to recognize the detrimental impact of the illicit trade on mongoose populations. The confiscation of 14,000 brushes underscores the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws to combat such crimes. Furthermore, raising awareness among the public, particularly those involved in the supply chain, is essential to ensure the conservation of endangered species.
